If it is up to the school boards of the secondary school communities De Nieuwe Veste in Coevorden, Esdal College in Emmen and RSG Ter Apel, they will merge into a board in eighteen months.
According to the three school communities, a board merger is necessary in order to continue to offer high-quality education. Over the past five years, the number of students in the region has fallen by almost a fifth and the decline is expected to continue for the time being. This makes it very difficult for individual schools to maintain a high level of supply and quality.
In addition, the schools want to continue to attract and retain good staff, despite the national teacher shortage. In addition, schools must continue to provide education for all pupils in the region and provide them with equal opportunities.
“It is clear that our separate schools cannot do this alone and that more cooperation is needed,” the schools jointly write to students and their parents and carers. “Collaboration that makes it possible that schools, each for their own food area, can continue to offer education that fits the local context of that school. That is why Esdal College, RSG Ter Apel and De Nieuwe Veste sign a letter of intent to come to a board merger. This declaration of intent is the result of an extensive investigation.”
The board merger would give the schools the opportunity to provide a high-quality staff office that can meet the challenges in areas such as ICT, finance, communication and HR. The schools also believe that together they are a good employer that can offer staff permanent and more perspective. The schools remain responsible for their own education.